Chapter 8: The Necklace
After boarding the ship, Da Cai made his way to his assigned room. It was small and simple, with a single bed, a wooden desk, and a chair. Despite its modesty, the room felt like a sanctuary, a space to prepare for the challenges ahead.
He began by reviewing the sect rules, studying them carefully. Each rule was strict and precise, emphasizing discipline, respect for hierarchy, and commitment to cultivation. Satisfied that he had committed them to memory, Da Cai moved on to the sect manual, eager to glean insights into the path of cultivation.
The manual detailed the basic aspects of cultivation in the Mortal Realm and introduced him to a breathing technique called "Flowing Stream Method." It was a Human-level cultivation technique, suitable for novices like him.
According to the manual, cultivation techniques were classified by quality, each progressively more potent and complex:
Human Level: Suitable for the Mortal Realm, divided into Low, Mid, and High grades. Earth Level: For advanced cultivators, with stronger Qi harmonization and efficiency. Sky Level: Rare and powerful, granting significant breakthroughs in realms. Saint Level: Legendary techniques, capable of reshaping the very laws of nature.
The introduction also provided an overview of the Red Valley Sect. The sect had stood as a beacon of strength and knowledge for centuries, its foundations unshaken by time or conflict. The sect master, revered throughout the region, was a cultivator at the peak of the Golden Core Realm.
Da Cai read on, absorbing the details about the Golden Core Realm, the first major step beyond the Mortal Realm.
Cultivators in the Golden Core Realm undergo five major phases:
Hollow Core Stage: At the beginning, the fluid spiritual Qi from the Core Formation stage is consolidated into a hollow core. Solid Core Stage: The hollow core is filled, becoming a solid foundation of power. Elemental Attunement Stage: Spiritual Qi begins to align with one of the world's fundamental elements, granting cultivators abilities tied to that element. Radiant Core Stage: The core emits a golden glow, and Qi becomes dense and potent, capable of transforming the environment. Golden Peak Stage: At this level, the core reaches its ultimate solidity and power. The spiritual Qi glows a pure gold and resonates with the element attuned to the cultivator, making them capable of feats akin to miracles.
The sect manual noted that at the Golden Core Realm, cultivators gain the ability to fly, explaining how the elder at the examination had moved so effortlessly. The text also hinted that Golden Core cultivators were attuned to the elements, but specifics about their power remained vague, shrouded in mystery. However, hearsay among disciples suggested that elemental attunement enhanced their spiritual Qi, making it a formidable force.
Closing the manual, Da Cai leaned back, his mind buzzing with thoughts of the future. His gaze shifted to the necklace Uncle Yun had given him. He took it in his hands, studying its plain design. It looked unremarkable, yet he felt a strange connection to it.
As he focused on the necklace, a sudden wave of dizziness overcame him. His vision blurred, and before he could react, he collapsed onto the floor.
When he regained consciousness, Da Cai found himself in a vast white space, devoid of any features or boundaries. He looked around, bewildered. "Where am I?" he muttered, his voice echoing in the emptiness.
Hours passed as he wandered the space, finding nothing but endless white. Out of boredom and instinct, he decided to practice the Flowing Stream Method. Sitting cross-legged, he concentrated on his breathing, letting the technique guide his mind and body. As time passed, he felt a strange rhythm within him, as if the space itself resonated with his efforts.
Just as he was beginning to feel a faint breakthrough, a sudden wave of exhaustion washed over him. He blacked out again, his consciousness fading into darkness.
When he opened his eyes, he was back in his room on the ship. Disoriented, he sat up and noticed something odd. The necklace was gone. Panicked, he checked his belongings, but it was nowhere to be found.
It wasn't until he glanced down at his chest that he noticed a faint, intricate tattoo etched into his skin. The design resembled the necklace's shape and pattern, glowing faintly with an otherworldly light before settling into a normal appearance.
Da Cai's heart raced as he touched the tattoo, feeling a warmth emanating from it. He didn't know what had happened, but one thing was clear: the necklace was no ordinary keepsake, and it had just become a part of him.